During the 1960s, hospital selection committees
typically decided who would receive kidney dialysis based solely on medical criteria.
typically decided who would receive kidney dialysis based in part on social criteria.
typically decided who would receive kidney dialysis based solely on age.
were abolished by most hospitals.
were declared legal but nonetheless fell into disuse.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: typically decided who would receive kidney dialysis based in part on social criteria.
Explanation:
During the 1960s, kidney dialysis was a relatively new and highly resource-intensive medical procedure. As a result, hospitals faced difficult decisions about who should receive dialysis treatment, given the limited availability of dialysis machines and the growing demand for them. Kidney dialysis requires specialized equipment and a great deal of medical attention, so it was not available to all patients, especially those in need of long-term treatment.
Initially, the selection of patients for dialysis was based on medical criteria, such as the severity of kidney failure and the likelihood of recovery or improvement. However, as demand for dialysis grew, hospitals found themselves facing ethical dilemmas and societal pressure regarding who should be prioritized for treatment. In response, many hospitals began using not just medical criteria, but also social factors in their decision-making processes. Social criteria included considerations like the patient’s age, family situation, occupation, social contributions, and ability to pay for the treatment.
One significant example of this approach was the establishment of “hospital selection committees” that assessed both the medical needs and the broader social implications of dialysis treatment. Some hospitals considered the patient’s potential for contributing to society or whether they had a family that could support them through their treatment. The goal was not only to provide the necessary care but also to ensure that the scarce resource of dialysis was allocated in a way that balanced medical and social priorities.
However, this practice came under increasing scrutiny over time, especially in the 1970s, as debates over healthcare ethics, fairness, and equity grew more intense. Eventually, policies around dialysis selection shifted to emphasize medical needs more heavily, and legal and ethical guidelines were developed to prevent discriminatory practices.